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Calendar Review Committee Recommendation

Calendar Review Committee Recommendation

The Calendar Review Committee, comprised of certificated and classified staff, parents, district administrators, and employee bargaining units, typically develops calendar recommendations two to three years in advance of implementation. For the past few years, the Committee has discussed the concept of a collegiate calendar; the school year starting prior to Labor Day with the first semester ending prior to winter break.

Starting this fall, the Committee met five times to explore and consider a collegiate calendar. The Committee began by seeking anecdotal data from the school community which led to the attached Fact Sheet (Benefits and Concerns/FAQs). A survey was circulated to obtain input related to the concept of a Collegiate Calendar. Five information meetings were hosted to share and clarify particulars of the Fact Sheet and gather input from staff, parents and students.

The Committee carefully weighed these components prior to coming to a recommendation. When reviewing the information gathered, the Committee found that the responses on the survey varied with overall results indicating most respondents did not support the move to a collegiate calendar. Analyzing subgroups from elementary, middle and high school respondents, there was a gradual increase of support for the change (please see attached survey results). Comments collected during the information meetings identified multiple benefits for students, numerous concerns regarding heat in the classrooms of those schools without heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), and the timeline for implementation. While there has been a systematic plan for HVAC installation since 2013, the plan beyond the summer of 2018 was not available during the time of the survey and information meetings. The complete installation plan for all remaining schools was shared during the November 14, 2017 Board Meeting (please see attached).

After extensive analysis and discussions, the Committee recognized significant student benefits of a collegiate calendar particularly when they reach the secondary level and acknowledged the primary concern expressed by many stakeholders for HVAC to be installed at all school sites. The Committee considered the new information provided in the HVAC plan to address the concerns regarding heat and explored ways to provide students the benefits of the collegiate calendar. The Committee ultimately determined moving to a collegiate calendar was in the best interest of students. Implementing it three years from now would address concerns related to HVAC installation and create more time to plan for the transition.

The Calendar Review Committee has made the following recommendations and will meet to design the details of the calendars, which will move forward to the District and NMFT negotiation teams:

A traditional calendar for the 2018-2019 school year (Adopted October 10, 2017)

A traditional calendar for the 2019-2020 school year

A collegiate calendar for the 2020-2021 school year

Upon completion of negotiations and approved by the Board of Education, the adopted calendars will be made public.